Choosing the best solar panel technology for your off-grid caravan or RV in 2025 isn’t just about watts—it’s about how those watts perform in heat, shade, and real-world camping conditions. The three most popular panel types today—TOPCon, PERC, and Shingled—each have unique advantages.
This guide compares all three for Australian conditions, helping you pick the most efficient, durable, and cost-effective option for your setup.
☀️ What Each Technology Means
PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Cell)
Overview: An evolution of standard monocrystalline panels, PERC adds a passivation layer on the rear of the cell to improve light capture.
Efficiency: 20–22 %.
Best For: Budget-conscious caravanners or weekend campers.
Advantages:
Proven reliability and wide availability.
Performs well in moderate heat.
Lower cost per watt.
Limitations:
Slightly lower output in high heat compared to TOPCon.
Gradual performance loss over time (light-induced degradation).
TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact)
Overview: The next-gen upgrade to PERC. A thin oxide layer reduces electron loss, boosting conversion efficiency.
Efficiency: 22–24 %.
Best For: Full-time travellers, off-grid cabins, or users with limited roof space.
Advantages:
Superior high-temperature efficiency—maintains higher output in 35 °C+ heat.
Excellent low-light performance, ideal for winter or cloudy days.
Longer lifespan and better degradation rate (only 0.3 % / yr typical).
Limitations:
Slightly higher upfront cost.
Still newer, so fewer compact models are available (as of 2025).
Shingled Cell Panels
Overview: Uses overlapping thin solar strips, eliminating busbars for higher surface area and current flow.
Efficiency: 21–23 %.
Best For: Roofs with limited mounting space (e.g., vans, pop-tops, campers).
Advantages:
Compact & high output density (more watts per square metre).
Better shade tolerance—if part of a panel is shaded, others keep working.
Sleek, seamless look and flexible sizing.
Limitations:
Slightly higher price per watt.
More sensitive to installation stress—must be mounted on flat, rigid surfaces.
?️ Real-World Comparison for Off-Grid Caravans
| Feature | TOPCon | PERC | Shingled |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Efficiency (2025) | ⭐ 22–24 % | 20–22 % | 21–23 % |
| High-Temp Performance (35 °C+) | ? Excellent | ⚡ Good | ⚡ Good |
| Low-Light / Cloudy Conditions | ? Excellent | ? Good | ? Excellent |
| Shade Tolerance | ⚡ Moderate | ⚡ Moderate | ? Very good |
| Durability / Lifespan | ? 25+ yrs | ? 20–25 yrs | ? 20–25 yrs |
| Weight / Thickness | ⚙️ Moderate | ⚙️ Moderate | ? Lighter |
| Best Use Case | Full-time off-grid or small roofs | Budget setups | Compact caravans / modern builds |
| Typical Cost per Watt (AUD) | $0.90–$1.10 | $0.75–$0.95 | $0.95–$1.15 |
⚙️ Choosing for Your Setup
Short trips or budget installs → PERC panels give solid value.
Year-round travellers or hot climates → TOPCon panels outperform others under heat stress and low light.
Tight roof space or mixed shade (vents, racks) → Shingled panels deliver the best efficiency per area.
If you camp in the Northern Territory, WA, or Queensland, TOPCon’s high-temp efficiency makes it worth the extra spend. For southern states or weekend setups, PERC remains a smart buy.
? Expert Tip
When mixing technologies (e.g., existing PERC panels with new TOPCon ones), use separate MPPT inputs or parallel connections with matching voltage specs. Never wire different panel types in the same series string.
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